By TC News Desk
Agartala, 28th March 2025: Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Ratan Lal Nath, presented a unique gesture in the state assembly on Friday by gifting a basket of locally grown potatoes, ‘Kali-Khasha’ rice packets, and millet-based biscuits to Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha. These locally sourced items were also distributed among legislators, including members of IPFT, TIPRA Motha Party, CPIM, and Congress.
During the assembly’s budget session, Nath highlighted Tripura’s success in potato farming, attributing record yields to Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) technology. “The introduction of ARC technology has revolutionized potato farming in the state, enhancing yields and promoting seed self-sufficiency,” he said.
Potato farming, historically rooted in Tripura since the 17th century, has evolved significantly. Major milestones include the adoption of True Potato Seed (TPS) technology in 1988-89 and, recently, a collaboration under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) with the International Potato Center (CIP) in 2023 for ARC implementation.
In 2023-24, ARC technology was adopted across eight districts, involving 104 farmers, with yields reaching 6,000 kg per kani. Plans are underway to expand this initiative to 402 farmers in 2024-25, aiming for even higher yields and broader farmer inclusion. Tripura’s potato sector is poised for remarkable growth.
